Smoked Queso Dip

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Smoked Queso Dip brings together savory ground beef, melty cheeses, and a smoky, spicy kick from the chipotle peppers and jalapeños. It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor, and the smokiness from the grill adds an extra depth that makes it irresistible. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a side dish, this dip is guaranteed to be the highlight of your gathering. With a perfect blend of heat, cheese, and savory goodness, it’s the ideal dip to serve at any party or casual get-together.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1½ lbs ground beef
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning, divided
• 16 oz block Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
• 8 oz cream cheese, cut into cubes
• 1½ cups shredded Mexican cheese
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce + 2 tablespoons adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers
• 3 jalapeños, sliced
• 2 banana peppers, sliced
• ½ red onion, diced
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
• ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup fresh chopped cilantro + more for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F. You can use a grill with a smoker box if you don’t have a dedicated smoker.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat.
3. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning over the cooked beef and stir to coat. Set aside.
4. In a large, oven-safe dish, combine the Velveeta cheese, cream cheese, shredded Mexican cheese, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, jalapeños, banana peppers, red onion, and diced tomatoes and green chilies. Mix everything together.
5. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of taco seasoning and the heavy whipping cream to create a creamy consistency.
6. Place the dish on the smoker and cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the cheese is melting and everything is well combined.
7. Once the dip is smooth and bubbly, remove it from the smoker and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.
8. Serve immediately with tortilla chips, crackers, or your favorite dipping snacks.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6-8 servings.

• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 45 minutes (smoking)
• Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Spicier: Add extra chipotle peppers or include a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat level.
• Meat-Free: Omit the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms or another vegetarian protein for a meatless dip.
• Cheese Variety: Use a combination of Monterey Jack, sharp cheddar, or pepper jack cheese for different flavors.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or spinach for extra color and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

This dip is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dip back in a skillet or oven-safe dish and warm it up in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If the dip has thickened too much, stir in a little extra cream or milk to loosen it up.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip in advance and store it in the fridge for a day or two. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it as directed.

2. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works as a lighter alternative. You can also use ground chicken if you prefer.

3. How can I make this dip spicier?

To add more spice, increase the number of chipotle peppers, add a dash of hot sauce, or use spicy jalapeños.

4. Can I make this dip in the oven instead of on the smoker?

Yes! If you don’t have a smoker, you can bake the dip at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Can I use regular cheese instead of Velveeta?

You can substitute Velveeta with other cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack, but Velveeta gives the dip its smooth, creamy texture, so the consistency may differ slightly with other cheeses.

6. Can I make this dip dairy-free?

To make this dip dairy-free, use plant-based cheese alternatives and dairy-free cream cheese. You may also need to replace the heavy cream with a dairy-free version like coconut cream or almond milk.

7. How do I know when the dip is ready?

The dip is done when it’s fully melted, bubbly, and smooth. Stir it occasionally while it’s on the smoker to help it melt evenly.

8. Can I add more vegetables to this dip?

Absolutely! You can add ingredients like corn, bell peppers, or black beans for more texture and flavor.

9. How do I store leftover queso dip?

Let the dip cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for up to 3 days.

10. Can I serve this dip with other foods?

Yes! This dip is delicious with tortilla chips, crackers, fresh veggies like carrot sticks or celery, or even as a topping for tacos, nachos, or baked potatoes.

Conclusion

Smoked Queso Dip is a creamy, smoky, and flavorful dip that will take your appetizer game to the next level. With the perfect blend of spicy chipotle, melty cheeses, and savory beef, this dip is a hit at any gathering. It’s easy to make, loaded with bold flavors, and the smoky touch from the smoker adds an irresistible depth. Whether served as a party dip or a cozy snack, this queso dip will surely be a favorite for everyone at the table!

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